Iran’s Hadadi bags FIBA Asia MVP; PH’s Castro in mythical five

Hamed HADADI (left) and SOHRABNEJAD Hamed

MANILA, Philippines — Towering center Hamed Hadadi fittingly was adjudged the most valuable player of the 27th FIBA Asia men’s championships after carrying Iran on an undefeated run to the gold medal.

Hadadi capped his tournament-long domination with 29 points and 16 rebounds on Sunday as the Iranians reclaimed their spot at the top of Asian basketball with an 85-71 victory over the Philippines in the finale.

Iranian forward Oshin Sahakian, who added 12 points and 11 boards in the win, meanwhile, joined Hadadi in the tournament’s mythical five.

Philippines’ lightning quick guard Jayson Castro also earned his spot as the competition’s best point guard, while South Korea’s marksman Kim Mingoo and Chinese-Taipei’s small forward Lin Chih-Chieh completed the top five.